U.S. patent number 8,806,907 [Application Number 13/673,089] was granted by the patent office on 2014-08-19 for battery access and power supply arrangements.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Master Lock Company LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is Master Lock Company LLC. Invention is credited to D. Scott Kalous, Zachery T. Nave.
United States Patent |
8,806,907 |
Kalous , et al. |
August 19, 2014 |
Battery access and power supply arrangements
Abstract
A battery operated device includes a housing, an operating
mechanism and an internal battery disposed within the housing, and
an access member assembled with the housing and movable between
first and second positions. The operating mechanism includes first
and second sets of electrical contacts for transmitting power to
the operating mechanism, with the internal battery being
electrically connectable with the first set of electrical contacts
for powering the operating mechanism. The access member is movable
between a first position blocking external access to the second set
of electrical contacts and connecting the first set of electrical
contacts to the internal battery, and a second position permitting
external access to the second set of electrical contacts and
disconnecting the internal battery from the first set of electrical
contacts.
Inventors: |
Kalous; D. Scott (Kenosha,
WI), Nave; Zachery T. (Oak Creek, WI) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Master Lock Company LLC |
Oak Creek |
WI |
US |
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Assignee: |
Master Lock Company LLC (Oak
Creek, WI)
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Family
ID: |
48279337 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/673,089 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2012 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20130118216 A1 |
May 16, 2013 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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61558655 |
Nov 11, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
70/278.1; 70/52;
70/277; 70/38R; 70/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07C
9/00944 (20130101); E05B 67/22 (20130101); E05B
67/00 (20130101); H01M 50/216 (20210101); E05B
67/06 (20130101); H05K 7/00 (20130101); Y10T
70/452 (20150401); E05B 2047/0058 (20130101); E05B
2047/0087 (20130101); Y10T 70/422 (20150401); Y10T
70/7062 (20150401); G07C 2009/00634 (20130101); Y02E
60/10 (20130101); G07C 9/0069 (20130101); Y10T
70/424 (20150401); Y10T 70/7068 (20150401); Y10T
70/489 (20150401); G07C 2009/00642 (20130101); Y10T
70/413 (20150401); Y10T 70/417 (20150401); E05B
47/0012 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E05B
47/00 (20060101); E05B 67/02 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;70/22,24,25,31,35,38R,51,52,275,277,278.1,280,281,282 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1482328 |
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Mar 2004 |
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2625517 |
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2675799 |
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2675802 |
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2680791 |
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Feb 2005 |
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202004003813 |
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1531951 |
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2122283 |
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2229220 |
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0220911 |
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TW |
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0220910 |
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TW |
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022482 |
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Sep 1992 |
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TW |
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0220912 |
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Apr 1994 |
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TW |
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553286 |
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Sep 2003 |
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TW |
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89/11577 |
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Nov 1989 |
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WO |
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90/15910 |
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Dec 1990 |
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WO |
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Other References
International Search Report and Written Opinion from International
Application No. PCT/US2011/044129, mailed Dec. 13, 2011. cited by
applicant .
International Search Report and Written Opinion from International
Application No. PCT/US2012/064368, mailed Feb. 3, 2013. cited by
applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Boswell; Christopher
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Calfee, Halter & Griswold
LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/558,655, entitled
"BATTERY ACCESS AND POWER SUPPLY ARRANGEMENTS" and filed Nov. 11,
2011, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference, to the extent that it is not conflicting with the
present application.
Claims
We claim:
1. A battery operated device comprising: a housing; an operating
mechanism disposed within the housing, the operating mechanism
including first and second sets of electrical contacts for
transmitting power to the operating mechanism; an internal battery
disposed within the housing, the internal battery being
electrically connectable with the first set of electrical contacts
for powering the operating mechanism; and an access member
assembled with the housing and movable between a first position
blocking external access to the second set of electrical contacts
and connecting the first set of electrical contacts to the internal
battery, and a second position permitting external access to the
second set of electrical contacts and disconnecting the internal
battery from the first set of electrical contacts.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the access member retains the
internal battery, such that movement of the access member to the
second position moves the internal battery out of engagement with
the first set of electrical contacts.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the battery access member is
further movable to a third position permitting external access to
the internal battery for replacement of the internal battery.
4. The device of claim 3, further comprising a latch member movable
between a latching position in which the latch member prevents
movement of the access member to the third position, and a
releasing position in which the latch member permits movement of
the access member from the second position to the third
position.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the operating mechanism is
operable to move the latch member from the latching position to the
releasing position.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the operating mechanism includes
a user operable interface for entry of an authorized access code to
restrict unauthorized operation of the operating mechanism.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the user operable interface
includes an electronic keypad.
8. The device of claim 4, wherein the operating mechanism comprises
a locking mechanism including an access restricting structure
movable between locked and unlocked positions, wherein the latch
member is secured in the latching position when the access
restricting structure is in the locked position.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the access restricting structure
comprises a shackle, and further wherein a portion of the shackle
blocks movement of the latch member to the releasing position when
the access restricting structure is in the locked position.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the second set of electrical
contacts is configured for electrical connection with an external
battery when the access member is in the second position, the
external battery being substantially identical to the internal
battery.
11. A battery operated device comprising: a housing; an operating
mechanism disposed within the housing, the operating mechanism
including first and second sets of electrical contacts for
transmitting power to the operating mechanism; an internal battery
disposed within the housing, the internal battery being
electrically connectable with the first set of electrical contacts
for powering the operating mechanism; and an access member
assembled with the housing and movable between a first position
blocking external access to the internal battery and blocking
external access to the second set of electrical contacts, a second
position blocking external access to the internal battery and
permitting external access to the second set of electrical
contacts, and a third position permitting external access to the
internal battery for replacement of the internal battery.
12. The device of claim 11, further comprising a latch member
disposed within the housing and movable between a latching position
in which the latch member prevents movement of the access member to
the third position, and a releasing position in which the latch
member permits movement of the access member to the third
position.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the operating mechanism
comprises a locking mechanism including an access restricting
structure movable between locked and unlocked positions, wherein
the latch member is secured in the latching position when the
access restricting structure is in the locked position.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the access restricting
structure comprises a shackle, and further wherein a portion of the
shackle blocks movement of the latch member to the releasing
position when the access restricting structure is in the locked
position.
15. The device of claim 12, wherein the operating mechanism is
operable to move the latch member from the latching position to the
releasing position.
16. The device of claim 11, wherein the operating mechanism
includes a user operable interface for entry of an authorized
access code to restrict unauthorized operation of the operating
mechanism.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein the user operable interface
includes an electronic keypad.
18. An electronic padlock comprising: a lock body; a shackle
assembled with the lock body and movable between locked and
unlocked positions; an electronic lock interface assembled with the
lock body; an electromechanical locking mechanism disposed within
the body and operable to permit movement of the shackle from the
locked position to the unlocked position in response to proper user
manipulation of the electronic lock interface, the
electromechanical locking mechanism including first and second sets
of electrical contacts for transmitting power to the operating
mechanism; an internal battery disposed within the lock body and
electrically connectable with the electromechanical locking
mechanism by the first set of electrical contacts; and an access
member assembled with the lock body and movable between a first
position blocking external access to the internal battery and
blocking external access to the second set of electrical contacts,
a second position blocking external access to the internal battery
and permitting external access to the second set of electrical
contacts, and a third position permitting external access to the
internal battery for replacement of the internal battery.
19. The padlock of claim 18, wherein movement of the access member
to the second position disconnects the internal battery from the
first set of electrical contacts, thereby preventing simultaneous
power supply to the operating mechanism through both the first and
second sets of electrical contacts.
20. The padlock of claim 18, wherein the access member retains the
internal battery, such that movement of the access member to the
second position moves the internal battery out of engagement with
the first set of electrical contacts.
21. The padlock of claim 18, further comprising a latch member
disposed within the lock body and movable between a latching
position in which the latch member prevents movement of the access
member to the third position, and a releasing position in which the
latch member permits movement of the access member to the third
position.
22. The padlock of claim 21, wherein the latch member is secured in
the latching position when the shackle is in the locked
position.
23. The padlock of claim 21, wherein a portion of the shackle
blocks movement of the latch member to the releasing position when
the shackle is in the locked position.
Description
BACKGROUND
Electronic locking arrangements, such as electronic keypads, may be
used in a variety of locks, including, for example, padlocks,
locker locks, safes, and lock boxes. The use of an electronic
locking mechanism may facilitate access code or key (e.g.,
electronic key card) changes, the use of multiple access codes or
keys, and the ability to store and audit past access events. For a
portable electronic lock, the limited available power supply of an
internal battery or batteries may present the risk of compromised
security where the lock is configured to fail in the unlocked
condition when the battery is depleted, or the need to destroy the
lock (e.g., cut through the shackle or locking door) where the lock
is configured to fail in the locked condition when the battery is
depleted.
SUMMARY
In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, battery
operated device includes a housing, an operating mechanism and an
internal battery disposed within the housing, and an access member
assembled with the housing and movable between first and second
positions. The operating mechanism includes first and second sets
of electrical contacts for transmitting power to the operating
mechanism, with the internal battery being electrically connectable
with the first set of electrical contacts for powering the
operating mechanism. The access member is movable between a first
position blocking external access to the second set of electrical
contacts and connecting the first set of electrical contacts to the
internal battery, and a second position permitting external access
to the second set of electrical contacts and disconnecting the
internal battery from the first set of electrical contacts.
In another exemplary embodiment of the present application, a
battery operated device includes a housing, an operating mechanism
and an internal battery disposed within the housing, and an access
member assembled with the housing. The operating mechanism includes
first and second sets of electrical contacts for transmitting power
to the operating mechanism. The internal battery is electrically
connected with the first set of electrical contacts for powering
the operating mechanism. The access member is movable between a
first position blocking external access to the internal battery and
blocking external access to the second set of electrical contacts,
a second position blocking external access to the internal battery
and permitting external access to the second set of electrical
contacts, and a third position permitting external access to the
internal battery for replacement of the internal battery.
In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present application, an
electronic padlock includes a lock body, a shackle assembled with
the lock body and movable between locked and unlocked positions, an
electronic lock interface and an access member assembled with the
lock body, and an electromechanical locking mechanism and an
internal battery disposed within the lock body. The
electromechanical locking mechanism is operable to permit movement
of the shackle from the locked position to the unlocked position in
response to proper user manipulation of the electronic lock
interface. The electromechanical locking mechanism includes first
and second sets of electrical contacts for transmitting power to
the operating mechanism. The internal battery is disposed within
the lock body and electrically connected with the electromechanical
locking mechanism by the first set of electrical contacts. The
access member is movable between a first position blocking external
access to the internal battery and blocking external access to the
second set of electrical contacts, a second position blocking
external access to the internal battery and permitting external
access to the second set of electrical contacts, and a third
position permitting external access to the internal battery for
replacement of the internal battery.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further features and advantages will become apparent from the
following detailed description made with reference to the
accompanying drawing, wherein:
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a shackle and internal locking
mechanism of an electronic padlock, shown with the latch cam and
driver in the locked condition, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the shackle and internal locking
mechanism of FIG. 1A, shown with the latch cam and driver in the
unlocked condition;
FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the shackle and internal locking
mechanism of FIG. 1A, shown with the latch cam and driver in the
unlocked condition and the shackle pulled to the withdrawn
condition;
FIG. 2 is a partial front perspective view of an electronic
padlock, shown with the battery access member in the battery
replacement position, according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 3A is a partial side cross-sectional view of the padlock of
FIG. 2, shown with the blocker in the locked condition;
FIG. 3B is a partial side cross-sectional view of the padlock of
FIG. 2, shown with the blocker in the unlocked condition;
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the padlock of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a rear exploded perspective view of the back plate and
electrical contacts of the padlock of FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is an upper cross-sectional view of the padlock of FIG. 2,
shown with a spare battery engaged with the padlock to power the
padlock;
FIG. 7A is a schematic view of an exemplary battery powered
electronic device, shown with the battery access member in an
access blocking position, according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 7B is a schematic view of the electronic device of FIG. 7A,
shown with the battery access member in an external battery jump
position;
FIG. 8A is a schematic view of another exemplary battery powered
electronic device, shown with the battery access member in an
access blocking position, according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 8B is a schematic view of the electronic device of FIG. 8A,
shown with the battery access member in an external battery jump
position;
FIG. 8C is a schematic view of the electronic device of FIG. 8A,
shown with the battery access member in a battery replacement
position;
FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic padlock,
shown with the battery access drawer in a closed position,
according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the electronic padlock of FIG. 9A,
shown with the battery access drawer in an external battery jump
position;
FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the electronic padlock of FIG. 9A,
shown with the battery access drawer in an open, battery
replacement position;
FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the battery access drawer of the
electronic padlock of FIG. 9A;
FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the battery circuit connection
arrangement of the electronic padlock of FIG. 9A, shown with the
battery access drawer in a closed position;
FIG. 10C is a perspective view of the battery circuit connection
arrangement of the electronic padlock of FIG. 9A, shown with the
battery access drawer in a partially open position;
FIG. 10D is a perspective view of the battery circuit connection
arrangement of the electronic padlock of FIG. 9A, shown with the
battery access drawer in a fully open position;
FIG. 11 includes schematic illustrations of exemplary wiring
arrangements of the PC board of the electronic padlock of FIG.
9A;
FIG. 12A is a rear perspective view of the electronic padlock of
FIG. 9A, with the back plate removed to illustrate additional
features of the lock;
FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the battery drawer retention
mechanism of the electronic padlock of FIG. 9A, shown with the
battery access drawer in a partially open position and the shackle
in a closed position;
FIG. 12C is a perspective view of the battery drawer retention
mechanism of the electronic padlock of FIG. 9A, shown with the
battery access drawer in the partially open position and the
shackle in an open position; and
FIG. 12D is a perspective view of the battery drawer retention
mechanism of the electronic padlock of FIG. 9A, shown with the
battery access drawer in the fully open position and the shackle in
the open position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
This Detailed Description merely describes exemplary embodiments
and is not intended to limit the scope of the specification or
claims in any way. Indeed, the invention as claimed is broader than
and unlimited by the exemplary embodiments, and the terms used in
the claims have their full ordinary meaning.
Also, while the specific exemplary embodiments described in the
specification and illustrated in the drawings relate to electronic
keypad operated combination padlocks, it should be understood that
many of the inventive features described herein may also be applied
to other types of electronic locks, including, for example,
electronic locker locks, safes, and lock boxes, and other types of
battery operated electronic devices.
Battery operated devices, such as, for example, electronic
padlocks, may be configured to restrict access to the internal
battery, such that unauthorized removal of the battery (and
disabling of one or more electronic or electromechanical functions
of the device) may be prevented. As one example, an electronic lock
(e.g., a padlock) may be configured such that a battery access
member (e.g., a door, drawer, or cover) of the lock is secured in a
closed position when the lock's access restricting structure (e.g.,
a shackle, latch, locking pin, locking cable, or locking bolt) is
in the locked position. When the access restricting structure is in
the unlocked or open position, the battery access member is movable
to an open position for removal or replacement of the internal
battery. One example of an electronic padlock with a securable
battery access member is described in co-pending U.S. application
Ser. No. 13/183,573 (the "'573 application"), entitled "Padlock"
and filed on Jul. 15, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference in full. In the '573 application,
as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, an electronic padlock 10 includes a
blocker 60 with an extension or post 65 that abuts against a latch
cam 70 when the locking mechanism 50 is in the locked condition,
thereby preventing axial movement of the blocker 60 for secure
retention of a shackle 30 in a locked position with the lock body
20. When the exemplary latch cam 70 is rotated to an unlocked
condition by a motor 45 and driver cam 80, a gap or cutout 75 in
the latch cam 70 aligns with the post 65 to permit axial movement
of the blocker 60. In this unlocked condition, when the shackle 30
is axially pulled in an opening or withdrawing direction, a
laterally inward force is directed from the shackle notches 32, 34
through the locking members 52, 54 to tapered camming surfaces 62,
64 of the blocker 60. These laterally inward forces against the
tapered camming surfaces 62, 64 move the blocker 60 axially
downward against springs 55, such that the post 65 is received in
the cutout 75. In this axially downward position, laterally inward
forces on the locking members 52, 54 (from pulling on the shackle
30) push the locking members laterally inward against a necked down
portion 66 of the blocker 60, and out of engagement with the
shackle notches 32, 34, thereby allowing the shackle 30 to be
withdrawn to a disengaged or open position.
As shown in FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B, the motor 45 of the padlock 10 of
the '573 Application is powered by a battery B that is removable by
sliding a battery drawer or compartment 90 to a open position. To
prevent theft or unauthorized removal of the battery B from the
locked padlock 10, the blocker 60 may be provided with a projection
68 or other such battery access latch that interlocks with a notch
98 in a battery compartment 90 when the blocker 60 is in the locked
or shackle engaging condition (FIG. 3A), such that sliding movement
of the compartment 90 is prevented. When the padlock 10 is unlocked
and the blocker 60 is moved to the unlocked condition (FIG. 3B),
the projection 68 disengages from the notch 98 in the compartment
90 to allow sliding movement of the compartment 90 to an open
condition.
As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the exemplary padlock 10 of the '573
Application is configured to allow for external power supply to the
locking mechanism, for example, in the event of a depleted battery.
Battery contacts 91, 92 for the internal battery B include flange
portions 91a, 92a or other such extensions that extend through the
back plate 25 of the lock body 20, for engagement with a spare
battery B' (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the back plate 25
of the lock body 20 may be provided with an arcuate recess 26 sized
to closely receive the spare battery B' with the battery contact
flanges 91a, 92a positioned to engage the inserted spare battery
B'. When the spare battery B' has been inserted and the externally
powered padlock 10 has been unlocked, the battery compartment 90
may be withdrawn to replace the depleted battery B with the spare
battery B'.
External battery contacts on an electronic padlock or other battery
powered electronic device may be susceptible to corrosion or
contamination. Further, engagement of a spare battery or other
objects with the battery contacts when the internal battery still
has a substantial charge may result in a short circuit of the
device, damaging or disabling the device.
Accordingly, the present application contemplates a battery
operated electronic device, such as an electronic lock, configured
to protect external battery "jump" contacts of the device, for
example, to prevent corrosion of the contacts or to prevent the
electrical connection of a spare battery or other objects with the
device while a charged internal battery remains electrically
connected with the device.
In one embodiment, an electronic device is provided with external
battery jump contacts that are protected and/or made inaccessible
(e.g., connection of a spare battery with the contacts is blocked)
by a movable battery access member (which may, but need not, be a
battery door or battery compartment). When the battery access
member is moved to an external jump position, such that a spare
battery may be connected with the contacts, the device is
configured to disengage the internal battery from a battery powered
mechanism of the device (e.g., an electromechanical locking
mechanism), thereby preventing the electrical connection of the
device's battery powered mechanism with two charged batteries
(i.e., the internal battery and the spare battery) simultaneously,
to prevent a short circuit in the device.
FIGS. 7A and 7B schematically illustrate a battery powered device
100 having a battery access member 120 that is movable between at
least two positions: a battery access blocking first position
(shown in FIG. 7A), and an external battery jump second position
(FIG. 7B). In the battery access blocking position, external
battery jump contacts 122 are covered or otherwise blocked from
external access (e.g., enclosed within device housing 110), and an
internal battery 130 is electrically connected with an internal
battery powered mechanism 140 by a first set of electrical contacts
(or internal battery contacts) 132 to operate the mechanism 140.
When the battery access member 120 is moved to the external battery
jump position, the external battery jump contacts (or second set of
electrical contacts) 122 are exposed and accessible (e.g.,
extending outward of the device housing 110 or uncovered by the
battery access member 120) for connection with an external battery
(not shown), and the internal battery contacts 132 are disconnected
from the internal battery 130 to prevent simultaneous connection of
the battery powered mechanism 140 with both the internal and
external batteries.
While movement of the battery access member to the external battery
jump position may move battery contacts to disengage the internal
battery, in another embodiment, movement of the battery access
member to the external battery jump position may move the internal
battery itself to disengage from the battery contacts and the
battery powered mechanism. FIGS. 8A and 8B schematically illustrate
a battery powered device 200 having a battery access member 220
that is movable between at least two positions: a battery access
blocking first position (shown in FIG. 8A), in which access to the
external battery jump contacts 222 is blocked (e.g., disposed
within the device housing 210), and an external battery jump second
position (FIG. 8B), in which the external battery jump contacts 222
are accessible (e.g., extending outward of the device housing 210
or uncovered by the battery access member 220). In the illustrated
example, the battery access member 220 retains the internal battery
230, such that movement of the battery access member 220 to the
external battery jump position moves the battery 230 out of
engagement with electrical contacts 244, and moves the external
battery jump contacts 222 into electrical connection with
electrical contacts 243.
According to another aspect of the present application, a battery
operated device may be configured such that when a battery access
member is in an access blocking position, a first circuit is
established between an internal battery and conductive members
(e.g., contact pads on a printed circuit board) electrically
connected with a motor or other electrical operating component to
selectively power the electrical operating component. When the
battery access member is in an external battery jump position, the
first circuit is broken and a second circuit is established between
external jump contacts and conductive members (e.g., contact pads
on a printed circuit board) electrically connected with the
electrical operating component to selectively power the electrical
operating component upon connection of an external battery with the
jump contacts. In the illustrated schematic of FIGS. 8A and 8B, a
first circuit is established between the battery 230, electrical
contacts 244, and battery powered mechanism 240 when the battery
access member 220 is in the access blocking position (FIG. 8A), and
a second circuit is established between an external "jump" battery
(not shown) and the battery jump contacts 222, electrical contacts
243, and battery powered mechanism 240 when the battery access
member 220 is in the external jump position (FIG. 8B) when the
external battery is connected with the battery jump contacts 222.
The second circuit may be configured to include circuit protecting
components, such as, for example, reverse battery and over-voltage
protection components, to protect the device from unintentional or
malicious application of excessive voltage or current to the device
through the jump contacts. The use of separate circuit paths for
the internal battery power supply and the jump battery power supply
may prevent an excessive voltage drop or power drain of the
internal battery resulting from continuous use of these protective
components during normal operation of the device.
According to still another aspect of the present application, a
battery access member, in addition to being movable to access
blocking and external jump positions, as described above, may also
be movable to a third, battery replacement position, in which the
internal battery of the device may be removed or replaced. As one
example, as shown schematically in FIG. 8C, the battery access
member 220 may be moved beyond the external battery jump position
(FIG. 8B) to a battery replacement position, in which the internal
battery 230 may be withdrawn from the device housing 210 or
otherwise uncovered for removal and replacement. To prevent
unauthorized removal of the internal battery 230, the battery
powered mechanism may be connected (electrically or mechanically)
with a mechanical or electromechanical latch member 250 which
secures the battery access member 220 against movement to the
battery replacement position. In an exemplary embodiment,
authorized operation of the battery powered mechanism 240 (e.g.,
entry of a secure access code on an electronic keypad) may allow
the latch member 250 to release the battery access member 220 for
movement to the battery replacement position. This authorized
operation of the battery powered mechanism 240 may be powered by
the internal battery 230 or by an external battery connected with
the jump contacts 222 when the battery access member 220 is in the
external jump position. In other embodiments (not shown), a battery
access door securable by a latch member may be provided as a
separate component from an external jump access member.
FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate an exemplary electronic combination padlock
300 having an electronic keypad 341 disposed on a front face of the
lock body 310. The padlock 300 includes a shackle 360 selectively
secured to the lock body 310 by an electromechanical locking
mechanism disposed within the lock body 310. The locking mechanism
is powered by an internal battery 330 (e.g., a coin cell-type
battery) and is controlled by a printed circuit board (PCB) 347
(FIGS. 10B-10D) configured to receive and evaluate electronic
signals from the keypad 341 corresponding to a sequence of keypad
entries, and deliver an electrical authorization signal to a motor
345 to unlock the locking mechanism. As shown, the locking
mechanism may, but need not, be consistent with the motor driven
locking mechanism described in the above incorporated '573
application.
As shown, the padlock 300 includes a battery access drawer 320
received in an opening 312 in the lock body 310 and movable between
three positions, a closed or battery access blocking position (FIG.
9A), in which access to both the internal battery 330 and jump
contacts 322a, 322b (FIG. 9B) is blocked; a partially open or
external battery jump position (FIG. 9B), in which the jump
contacts 322a, 322b are accessible for connection with an external
battery (not shown), for powering the padlock, and a fully open or
battery replacement position (FIG. 9C), in which at least the
internal battery 330 is accessible, for removal and/or replacement
of the battery 330. The battery access drawer 320 may include side
tabs 324 (FIG. 10A) that ride in corresponding slots (not shown) in
the lock body 310 to guide movement of the drawer 320.
Additionally, the drawer 320 may be provided with a detent
engagement with the lock body 310 to releasably secure the drawer
in the closed position.
As shown, the jump contacts 322a, 322b may be disposed in a recess
321 sized and shaped to receive a properly oriented external jump
battery, which may, but need not, be identical to the internal
battery 330. In other embodiments (not shown), an electrical port
may be provided (in addition to or instead of battery jump
contacts) to connect an AC adapter or other such external power
supply to power the lock. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown
in FIGS. 10A-10D, the jump contacts 322a, 322b extend to spring
biased PCB engaging ends 323a, 323b. An internal battery contact
332b is connected with the positive PCB engaging end 323b to
provide a common positive contact. The internal battery 330 is
oriented in a recess 325 in the battery access drawer 320 to
directly engage a conductive surface of the battery 330 with the
PCB 347. As shown in FIG. 10B, when the battery access drawer 320
is in the closed or access blocking position (also shown in FIG.
9A), a first circuit is established between the battery 330 and
electrical contact pads 344a, 344b on the PCB 347, for electrical
connection with the motor 345 to selectively power the motor when
an authorized access code is entered on the keypad 341. When the
battery access drawer 320 is in the partially open or external
battery jump position (FIGS. 9B and 10C), the first circuit is
broken and a second circuit is established between circuit board
contacts 343a, 343b, and the jump contacts 322a, 322b, and a spare
or jump battery (not shown) may be connected with the jump
contacts. When the battery access drawer 320 is in the fully open
or battery replacement position (FIGS. 9C and 10D), both first and
second circuits are broken.
FIG. 11 includes circuit diagrams for exemplary circuitry on the
PCB. As shown, the exemplary circuit completed by a jump battery
connected with the jump contacts 322a, 322b includes multiple
protective components, including a field effect transistor (FET)
U4A and diode D8 for reverse battery protection and a Zener diode
D5 for over-voltage protection (e.g., rated to dissipate voltages
over 3.3 V to ground). In other embodiments, other protective
components may be utilized, including, for example, a three
terminal linear voltage regulator, and/or a common mode choke in
series with the jump pad and a regulator and between a ground pad
and PCB ground, with capacitors to chassis ground. The exemplary
circuit completed by the internal battery 330 connected with the
battery contact 332b may be provided without such protective
components, to prevent the excessive voltage drop or power drain of
the internal battery that may result from continuous use of these
protective components, as the installation of a battery in the
battery access drawer 320 of an unlocked padlock 300 is less likely
to involve tampering or the inadvertent connection of an improperly
sized battery. This circuit may however, be provided with one or
more protective components, including, for example, a reset chip to
protect from low voltage conditions locking the chip/padlock. Still
other protective electrical components may be utilized in the lock,
including, for example, surge protecting diodes D6, D7 and filter
caps C6, C7 for case-to-battery and case-to-ground spikes.
As discussed above, an electronic padlock may be configured such
that a battery access member is secured against movement to a
battery replacement position when the lock is in the locked
position (e.g., when the shackle is secured with the lock body).
Many different mechanism may be utilized to secure the battery
access member against movement to the battery replacement position.
In one embodiment, as shown, for example, in the exemplary padlock
of the '573 application and described above, a shackle securing
component (e.g., a sliding blocker) may interlock with a battery
access member (e.g., a battery access door or drawer) when the
padlock is in a locked condition, with the shackle securing
component disengaging from the battery access member when the lock
is in an unlocked condition. In another embodiment, the shackle may
directly or indirectly interlock with the battery access member
when the shackle is secured with the lock body, with the shackle
being disengaged from the battery access member when the padlock is
unlocked and the shackle is withdrawn from the lock body. As one
example, a spring loaded pin may be held in engagement with the
battery access member in the external battery jump position when
the shackle is secured with the lock body, and released from the
battery access member for movement to the battery replacement
position when the shackle is withdrawn from the lock body. As
another example, a rotating cam disposed in the lock body may
retain a projection of the battery access member in a first
rotational position of the cam, and may release the projection for
movement of the battery access member to the battery replacement
position in a second rotational position of the cam. The closed
shackle interlocks with the cam to hold the cam in the first
rotational position, while the withdrawn shackle disengages from
the cam to allow rotation to the second rotational position and
release of the battery access member projection.
In the illustrated example shown in FIGS. 12A-12D, a battery drawer
retention mechanism prevents movement of the battery drawer except
when the shackle is opened, such that only authorized removal
and/or replacement of the battery is permitted. The exemplary
retention mechanism includes a rotating cam 370 having a cutout 371
that mates with the long leg 361 of the shackle 360 in a first
rotational position of the cam 370 when the shackle is secured with
the lock body 310. A projection 328 extending from the battery
access drawer 320 engages a recessed base 378 of the cam 370. The
mating engagement of the shackle 360 and the cam 370 prevents
rotation of the cam and movement of the battery access drawer 320.
When the shackle is withdrawn from the lock body 310, the shackle
leg 361 disengages the cam 370, allowing the cam to rotate to a
second rotational position to release the projection 328 such that
the battery access drawer 320 may be pulled to the fully open or
battery replacement position. When the battery access drawer 320 is
manually pushed toward the closed or access blocking position, the
projection 328 engages the recessed base 378 to rotate the cam 370,
thereby realigning the cam cutout 371 with the long shackle leg 361
to allow the shackle to be returned to the locked condition.
In operation, when an exemplary battery powered device (e.g.,
electronic padlock) lacks sufficient power to operate (e.g., to
open the lock), an access member is moved by the user from a first,
access blocking position to a second, external jump position, in
which a set of electrical contacts are externally accessible for
contact with a spare battery or other power source. This provides
power to a PCB within the device for entry of an authorized access
code on the keypad. As described, movement of the access member to
the second position may simultaneously disconnect the internal
battery from an internal set of electrical contacts to prevent
excessive electrical current to the battery powered components of
the device.
When the authorized code is entered through the keypad, the powered
PCB board signals a motor or other electromechanical actuating
device to move internal components of the device to permit further
movement of the access member to a third position, in which the
power depleted internal battery can be removed and replaced with a
new battery. In the illustrated example, this further movement of
the access member is permitted by an actuator driven release of the
shackle, with subsequent user withdrawal of the shackle from the
lock body permitting movement of the cam to release the access
member for user movement from the second position to the third
position.
While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the
inventions may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in
combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects,
concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments,
either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations
thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and
sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present
inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as
to the various aspects, concepts and features of the
inventions--such as alternative materials, structures,
configurations, methods, circuits, devices and components,
software, hardware, control logic, alternatives as to form, fit and
function, and so on--may be described herein, such descriptions are
not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available
alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later
developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more
of the inventive aspects, concepts or features into additional
embodiments and uses within the scope of the present inventions
even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein.
Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of the
inventions may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement
or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such
feature is required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still
further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be
included to assist in understanding the present disclosure;
however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in a
limiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges
only if so expressly stated. Moreover, while various aspects,
features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being
inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is
not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may be inventive
aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein
without being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific
invention. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not
limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases,
nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as
required or necessary unless expressly so stated.
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